Extension receives enough to stay through county and donation funds

Thursday

Jan 31, 2013 at 5:33 PMJan 31, 2013 at 6:03 PM

Mandy Matneyeditor@waynesvilledailyguide.com

After more than two weeks of intense negotiations involving budget cuts, the Pulaski County Commission and the University of Missouri Extension came to an agreement that will allow the Extension to continue operating in the county for the next year.

The commission settled by giving the organization $10,000 for 2013 (as required by state statute) and also credited the Extension for office space rent. In 2014, the Extension will owe the county $10,000 in rent.

Last year, the Extension received $26,000 from the county and will be finding other ways to help keep the programs supported the Extension.

"The more than 60 percent decrease from the commission of $10,000 is not enough to run our office for the year, but gives us enough to start with and make things work for this year." Sarah Traub, Pulaski County program director of the University of Missouri Extension Center said.

"At this time the county commissioner's input into the budget will at least ensure the University will continue the commitment of roughly $214,912 in key areas such as faculty and educator salaries, benefits and staff development for the 2013 year."

Traub said that the Pulaski County Extension Council recently received word that the Warren Family Charitable Trust is willing to match in donations for the 2013 year to help keep the administrative assistant employed and the office functioning at the level it did in 2012 without having to cut an programs.

At Monday's County Commission Meeting, Traub personally thanked commissioners Gene Newkirk, Rick Zweerink, and Lynn Sharp for finding a way to help fund the Extension's programs, especially considering the tough budget year.

The county cut nearly $300,000 from its budget this year due to declining sales tax revenue, according to commissioners.

"We are thankful for this generous offer to help fund us through 2013, but are hopeful that the County Commission will be able to partner with us again at a greater level in 2014," Traub said.

Traub said that the support will impact the entire community through the 4-H Youth Programs, the Family Nutrition Education Programs, the Focus on Kids program for parents going through custody cases in Pulaski County, child care providers, pesticide applicator training, gardening classes, food preservation classes, etc.

"The Pulaski County Extension Council and Staff, on behalf of the county residents and participants of our many programs, are very thankful for everyone's support during this time," she said.

By the Numbers:

3,400

The number of youth participating in 4-H Programs provided by the Extension

8,156

The number of youth and adults in 2012 through the Family Nutrition Education Programs in Pulaski County in schools and organizations

8,156

The number of youth and adults in 2012 reached through the Family Nutrition Education Programs in Pulaski County in schools and organizations.

$26,000

The amount of money Pulaski County funded the Extension in 2012 (not counting free rent).

$10,000

The amount of money Pulaski County funded the Extension in 2012 (not counting free rent).

$214,000

The amount of money provided by the University of Missouri for the local extension's staff salaries, benefits, training, etc.

*Information provided by the Pulaski County University of Missouri Extension

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